We had made up our minds to stand firm, for we knew that if General Cronje failed to make his way out, it would be a real calamity to our great cause.
Fully expecting an attack, we remained all that night at our posts.

Not a man of us slept, but just before dawn we heard this order from the English lines: "Fall in." "What can be the meaning of this ?" we ask one another.
Lying, sitting or standing, each of us is now at his post, and staring out into the darkness, expecting an attack every moment.

We hold our breath and listen.

Is there no sound of approaching footsteps?
And now the light increases.

Is it possible?
Yes, our eyes do not deceive us.
The enemy is gone.
Surprise and joy are on every face.